Multilenticular collimating gun sight device and optical system



June 17, 1952 J. H. KuRLANDl-:R 2,600,662

MULTILENTLCULAR COLLIMATING GUN SIGHT DEVICE AND OPTICAL SYSTEM Filed Feb. 26, 1944 -"wv---m---n 15 INVENTOR JH. fwn/iwan?.

ATTORNEY Patented June 17, 1952 UNITED STATES .PATENT OFFICE MULTILENTICULAR COLLIMATING GUN SIGHT DEVICE AND OPTICAL SYSTEM .John H. Kurlander, Nutley, N. J., assigner to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania ApplcationFebrua-ry 26, 1944, Serial No. 524,033

(Cl. Sii- 2.3)

, 9 Claims. 1 This invention relates to optical systems, and -inorie particularly, :to .such for illuminating the reticle plate of `a multi-lenticular collimating gun sight.

-The principal object of 'my invention, egener- `ally considered, .is *to provide for the 'illumina- `tion to a high intensity of .the reticle `plate of `a 'multi-lenticular collimating gun sight, Vsaid illumination being preferably in the -alternative, `so Athat/light can lb'e received on said reticle plate from veither va lamp for fa natural source.

Another-object of my invention is to provide a .multi-lenticular ctillimating :gun sight which is vertically adjustable and reversible .so that villumination may' be Aobtained efrom a lamp, sky light, -or the neld'of the target.

AA further object of my invenztonis to provide `.a .multi-lenticular collimating gun sight with `a combininggllass iandImirror-pivoted to one edge 4andlanother eombining'glasspivoted to the other edge, thereby adapting .it for use in either the #usual position or irever'sedyso ithat it may be il- -luminated -either `from a `:source of light therebelow, from the or from the neld of `the target.

A still further 4'objectffof my invention is .to provide means lier illuminating the lreticle 'plate Vof a multilenticlar `collm'ating .gun sight comprising 4a projector lamp, a condenser lens, 4a rectangular -rnask, an iris diaphragm, and Ya 45 reecting Amirror for fdirec-ting l-the .beam lfrom said lamp on said reltiole plate. y

`An additional objectl ofmy invention l is `to :provide a multi-'lenticular `collimating gun `sight with na pivoted combining yglass @and :pivoted mirrer whereby illumination on lthe retiole .fp'late 4tlnereof Emay be -obtained from the sky or from itheltargeteld.

Other `objects and `advar-itages fof the invention, .relating to @the kparticular arrangement and 'construction -4.off the various parts, will become Vapparent -as lthe description proceeds Referringtothe drawingi vFig. y1` is .fan 1.axial :sectional View 'of iportions of 'an airplane :showing a .multi-lenticular collimating h4gun :sight vwith :means .for illuminating the reticle plate thereof from Ha single projector lamp.

Fig. 2 is -a `fragmentary sectional vieW on an enlarged lfscalefon fthe fline-I--II of the sight device of Fig-1.

Fig. .3 :is :a lfragmentary view; corresponding to Fig; `=1 *but vshowing ,the "gun :sight 'device reversed for lvillumination @of the reticle .plate by means `tif-sky light.

Fig. 4 is a View corresponding to Fig. 3 but showing the interposition of a mirror to Ycut 01T `the sky light and receive light from only the eld placed anywhere within the marginal limits of theimage beam projected Aby the lens system.

The projected image lbeam is for the stated purpose reected at right angles, as by means of a transparentglass plate having parallelsurfaces and placed at an angle of to said-beam,

so that the axis of the reiiected beam `coincides Vwith the axis of the aiming sight lines between the gunners Yeye and the target. A gunner .looking vthrough the telescopic tube will, therefore, see `the ytarget delineated Within the field of Asight around Ithe bright iield of the sun, .sky or clouds. superimposed ron the targetvvillnbe the image of the .illuminated reticle. VThe gunner then manipulates his plane until one attacking or a ground station anti-aircraft gun, for example, lines up -Wit-h the sighting reticle image.

vWhen the brightness of the eld against which the 'target is delineated is low, as at dawn `or dusk, or when the sky is :heavily overcast, the

4problem of illuminating the 'reticle bright-enough to render it clearly visible is not diiiicult. -However, it is common vpractice for the pilots of attacking planes izo-operate with the sun at their backs so `that theV ldefending gunner will be blinded by the suns glare. A neutral filter is `used to reduce the Isunsbrig-htness withconsequent reduction in the targets view. Even fso,

Athe brightness Aof the sky surrounding the sun is so mue-h brighter .than that of an ordinary lamp-illuminated 'reticle that the image of the latter is washed out and the defending gunner left virtuallyy helpless.

fIn accordance with my application Serial No. 474,372, filed February l, 1943, -now PatentNo.

2,441,823, dated May18,1-948, and entitled Reiiector Lamp and OpticalSystem, I have shown how to .remedy the aforesaid condition by making use of the image properties of a smooth concave surface V:for strongly illuminating the .reticle in order to make it visible even `against avery bright background.

The purpose of the present invention is to illuminate to a high intensity the reticle plate of a multi-lenticular collimating gun sight, which is an improvement over the reticle of the simple gun sight of my prior application, in that it gives the observer or gun pointer leeway so that he does not have to keep his eye on the axis of the light from any one reticle, but may move it to use the reticle which is most convenient.

The sight in question has a multiplicity of reticles of the circle and dot form, that is, reticles inscribed on a single glass plate and arranged in staggered rows so as to form a continuous mosaic of reticle patterns, ordinarily measuring approximately 7 x 5.4. Each single reticle is provided with a separate projection lens, one juxtaposed with respect to each pattern, the lenses being of hexagonal outline and abutting each other on all sides so as to form a solid rectangle of individual projection lenses, the optical axes of which are, as usual, substantially parallel, each lens projecting its respective pattern to infinity.

In accordance with the practice prior to my invention, a single small lamp placed at one focal point of an ellipsoidal reflector was used to illuminate each individual reticle pattern. This method of illumination is extremely cumbersome and severely limited in its ability to illuminate the reticle patterns to such intensity to permit full daytime use of the sight.

In accordance with my invention I illuminate the entire reticle plate, that is, all of the pattern thereon, by means of: (l) a single light source, such as a projection lamp in a single projection system, (2) light from the sky, (3) light from the field around the target, or (4) provide for the selective use of any one of said sources at will, in accordance with conditions.

If a single projection lamp is used, the beam of light therefrom is desirably projected through a small aperture (in the instrument panel of the plane carrying the gunsight, for example), in which aperture is mounted an iris diaphragm for regulating the degree of illumination on the reticle plate. If additional control is required, a resistance may be wired in series with the lamp filament for either day or night use.

Referring to the drawing illustrating my invention, and first considering the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, there is shown a standard multi-lenticular collimating gun sight I I, including a reticle plate I2 on which is inscribed a mosaic of reticle patterns I3, which in the present instance are illustrated as each of the circle and dot type. Each pattern has its individual hexagonal lens I4, said lenses in the aggregate forming a solid rectangle, and each lens projecting its respective reticle pattern to innity.

The gun sight II is shown rotatably mounted on a bracket I5, about a pivot indicated at I6, said bracket being vertically adjustable as by sliding on a track I1, and adapted to be clamped at a selected elevation so that it is in a convenient position with respect to the observers eye I8, as when the observer is seated in the chair I9.

The sight, in accordance with the arrangement in Figs. 1 and 2, is to be illuminated from a single projection lamp 2| and associated reflector 22, the light therefrom passing through combining lenses 23 and 24, a rectangular mask 25, a projection lens 26, an iris diaphragm 21 manually adjustable at handle 28, then reected by mirror 29 upon the reticle plate I2, the illumination thereof passing through the lenses I4 and reflected by the transparent reflector plate, mirror or combining glass 3l, corresponding with the glass 35 of Fig. 7 of my application previously referred to, so as to be viewed simultaneously with the target by the observers eye I8. For further control, a manually adjustable rheostat 32 in series with the lamp filament 33 and source of power 34 is desirably provided. The combining glass 3l is pivoted to the sight I I as indicated at 35, so that the arrangement is adaptable for other conditions, such as if and when it is desired to substitute natural illumination for that by means of a lamp.

Such alternatives are illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, Fig. 3 representing the sight inverted, as by turning through about its pivot I6 and by moving the bracket I5 upward on its track so that the other transparent reflector plate, mirror or combining glass 36, positioned at an angle of 45, is at a convenient elevation for the observers eye I8, where the reticles are illuminated directly by light from the sky as indicated by the arrows 31, the light from which then passes through the lenses I4 and is reflected by the combining glass 36 into the observers eye I8.

This alternative is particularly for daytime use of the sight, making use of the natural sky brightness. Inasmuch as the loss of transmission through the sight is relatively low, the order of reticle brightness when so illuminated will be suicient to render them visible against all ordinary conditions of sky brightness. This arrangement will serve in all cases except where the target is viewed directly against the sun or within 10 or 15 of the suns disk.

The alternative arrangement illustrated in Fig. 4 is to permit viewing the target against the sun. It makes use of a preferably pivoted rectangular metal or glass reflector 38, disposed at an angle of 45, and attached to the sight so as to reflect light from the target area down through the reticle plate and into the lens system as illustrated. In this way the pilot of the plane or observer, when viewing the target through the combining glass 36, will always see the reticles lighted to a fixed percentage of the field brightness, this percentage depending upon the transmission of light through the sight.

For night illumination involving lighting intensities close to the threshold of the pilots vision, the method of illuminating illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 may, of course, be substituted for the natural illumination of Figs. 3 and 4.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided an improved means for illuminating the reticle plate of a multi-lenticular collimating gun sight, either at night or when the daylight is insuflicient, as by means of a single projection lamp, reector, lens, and mirror system, or when daylight is sufliciently intense by reversing, elevating and substituting either sky or target field illumination, thereby giving a range of adjustment adapting the illumination for all conditions which will bemet in service.

Although a preferred embodiment of my invention has been disclosed, it will be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An optical system comprising a multilenticular collimating gun sight with a plurality of reticles inscribed on a single glass plate and arranged in staggered rows forming a continuous mosaic of reticle patterns and a corresponding series of lenses, one for each pattern, said device being pivotally mounted so that it may be disposed with the lenses above the reticles `at a selected elevation, -or inverted with its elevation correspondingly changed, and provided Vwith cmbiningglasses hinged adjacent'opposite edges so as t'reiiect light to an ob'servers eye when the reticle plate is disposed beneath the lenses 'and receives light from below or when it dispfosed above said lenses and vref :eives light from above, `and a mirror pivoted adjacent the rear edge of said sight, when disposed so as to recr-ive iight from above, to reflect iight frein 'the target Yfield lonto `said reticle plate.

2. A multi-lenticular 'collimating gun sight device with a plurality of reticles inscribed on a singleV plate and arranged in staggered 'r'o'ws at a (Selected elevation, or be inverted its elevation correspondingly changed, and combining glasses hinged adjacent opposite edges so as to reflect light to an observers eye when the reticle plate is disposed beneath the lenses and receives light from below, or when it is disposed above said lenses and receives light from above, and a mirror pivoted adjacent the edge of said sight which is rearwardly disposed when receiving light from above, to reect light from another direction upon said reticle plate.

3. An optical system comprising. a multilenticular collimating gun sight device having a plurality of reticles inscribed on a single glass plate and arranged in staggered rows forming a continuous mosaic of reticle patterns and a corresponding series of lenses, one for each pattern, the optical axes of said lenses being substantially parallel, said device being pivotally mounted on an axis substantially parallel to said plate so that it may lie with the lenses above the reticles or be inverted, so as to receive light to illuminate the reticle plate from either of two directions, a mirror to reflect light from a target iield to illuminate all of said reticles, with the light therefrom passing through said lenses, and a combining glass for directing the reticle illumination light passing through said lenses toward the eye of an observer, so that he may use any reticle, without being restricted to a particular one.

4. An optical system comprising a multilenticular collimating gun sight device with a plurality of reticles inscribed on a single glass plate and arranged in staggered rows forming a continuous mosaic of reticle patterns, and a corresponding series of lenses, one juxtaposed with respect to each pattern and axially alined therewith, the optical axes of said lenses being substantially parallel, said device being reversibly mounted and provided with a combining glass on one edge, so that when said plate is disposed above its lenses the device may receive illumination from above directed through the reticle plate and said lenses, Iand the combining glass may redirect it toward the eye of an observer, said device being also provided with a movably-mounted mirror extending from the opposite edge thereof for reflecting light from a target eld onto said reticle plate, whereby said plate may receive such light or. upon moving said mirror out of the way receive light directly from the sky.

5. A gun sight device with a plurality of reticles in a single plane and a corresponding series of lenses one for each reticle. the optical axes of said lenses being subs"tarliti'ally parallel, 'means pivotally mounting said device on an axis substantially parallel to saidV plane so that it may lie ywith the `lenses above vth'efreticles at a selected elevation, or be inverted and `its elevation correspondingly changed, 'whereby it may receive light through the reticles 'to the lenses from afsouroe either above or below the device, and mirrors, one pivoted to one edge 'and another to the opposite edge of said device for selectively projecting said light received from the selected source after passing through said lenses from vthe illuminated reticles, toward the eye of an observer.

6. A multi-lenticular collimating gun sight device with a plurality of reticles inscribed on a single plate and arranged in staggered rows so asto fornra continuous mosaic of reticle pattrns, and a correpsonding series of lenses, one for -ea'ch pattern, -t-he optical a'xesk of said lenses being substantially parallel, said device being pivotally mounted so that it may lie with the lenses below the reticles at a selected elevation or be inverted and its elevation correspondingly changed, whereby it may receive light through the reticles to the lenses from a source either above or below, and mirrors, one pivoted to one edge and another to the opposite edge of said device. for projecting said received light, of the source selected after passing through said lenses, from the illuminated reticle plate, toward the eye of an observer.

7 A multi-lenticular collimating gun sight device with a plurality of reticles inscribed on a single glass plate and arranged in staggered rows forming a continuous mosaic of reticle patterns, and a corresponding series of lenses, one juxtaposed with respect to each pattern and axially alined therewith. the optical axes of said, lenses being substantially parallel, said device being pivotally mounted on an axis substantially parallel to said plate so that it may lie with the lenses above the reticles or be inverted, so as to receive light to illuminate the reticle plate from either of two directions, and a mirror pivoted to one edge portion of said device so as to be adjustable for reflecting light from a third direction and directing it onto said reticle plate and through the juxtaposed lenses.

8. A multi-lenticular collimating gun sight device with a plurality of reticles inscribed on a single plate and arranged in staggered rows forming a continuous mosaic of reticle patterns. and a corresponding series of lenses one for each pattern, the optical axes of said vlenses being substantially parallel, said device being pivotally mounted so that it may lie in a given position substantially at a selected elevation, or be inverted from said position and its elevation changed as desired, and combining glasses hinged adjacent opposite edges of said device. for receiving light through the reticles to the lenses from a source either above or below, and projecting said received light, after passing through said lenses. from the illuminated reticle plate, toward the eye of an observer.

9. A multi-lenticular collimating gun sight device with a plurality of reticles inscribed on a single glass plate and arranged in staggered rows forming a continuous mosaic thereof and a 'corresponding series of lenses, one juxtaposed with respect to each reticle and axially aligned therewith, the optical axes of said lenses being substantially parallel, said device being pivotally mounted on an axis substantially parallel t0 said plate so that it may be inverted to receive light from either of two directions, and a pair of :mirrors pivoted to the same edge portion of said device so as to be adjusted for either reflecting light from a, third direction onto said reticle plate and through the juxtaposed lenses or for projecting light after passing from a source through said lenses, from the illuminated reticle plate, toward the eye of `an observer.

JOHN H. KURLANDER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 19,070 Chretien Feb. 6, 1934 533,324 Stevens Jan. 29, 1895 683,203 Grubb Sept. 24, 1901 826,155 Dudley July 17, 1906 Number 15 Number 8 Name Date Mustin May 25, 1909 Donaldson July 5, 192,7 Willson Mar. 12, 1929 Colt July 17, 1934 Dvornik July 6, 1937 Ives Sept. 26, 1939 MacGill Feb. 13. 1940 Morelle Mar. 9,' 1943 Wappler July 13, 1943 Link Oct. 2, 1944 MacGill Dec. 5, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Sept. 20, 1909 Germany June 3, 1931 France June 19, 1933 Great Britain Oct. 28, 1935 Great Britain Aug. 1, 19.44 

